TAMPA, Fla.(February 04, 2019) — Gasoline for the month of January was the lowest in three years. Gas prices across the U.S. averaged $2.25 per gallon, last month. The monthly average was 28 cents less than January 2017, and 8 cents less than January 2017.

"Motorists have benefited from strong global crude oil supplies, which have kept gas prices low so far this year," said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA - The Auto Club Group. "Last month, oil prices averaged about $10 less than in January 2018. However, oil prices are beginning to rise, as OPEC cuts and sanctions against Venezuela weigh on the market. These factors, in addition to rising demand, refinery maintenance season and the switch to summer-blend gasoline will eventually boost prices at the pump in the coming months. AAA still expects the national average to peak around $2.75 per gallon sometime before Memorial Day weekend."

The price of crude settled at $55.26 per barrel on the NYMEX last Friday. The daily settlement was nearly $2/b more than the week before.

Regional Gas Prices

Gas prices in Floridarose 8 cents, last week. Drivers in Florida are now finding an average price of $2.28 per gallon. Although the state average is 16 cents more than the daily average on January 1, Floridians are still paying 53 cents per gallon less than they did in early October.

During last week’s hike, average prices didn’t budge in markets like Naples and Crestview-Fort Walton Beach. However, average prices are up 12-13 cents in markets like Tampa Bay and Melbourne-Titusville. Click here and scroll down to view prices in major metro markets in Florida.

Drivers in Florida enjoyed the cheapest January at the pump in three years. Last month, Florida gas prices averaged $2.19 per gallon, which was 31 cents less than January 2018, and 18 cents less than January 2017.

"Gas prices jumped in Florida last week, while surrounding states saw pump prices decline," said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA - The Auto Club Group. "This is the time of year when gas prices become more volatile in Florida, due to rising demand. While harsh winter weather can deteriorate gasoline demand in northern states, the opposite is true in Florida, which sees an influx of winter residents, looking to escape the cold. Adding to the upward pressure in pump prices is maintenance season, which is like spring cleaning for refineries. During this time, refiners will evaluate their equipment, make repairs, and prepare for the busy summer driving season."

Gas prices in Georgia slipped 2 cents during the past week. Drivers in Georgia are finding an average price of $2.14 per gallon. Although that’s 7 cents more than a month ago, Sunday’s state average remains 35 cents per gallon less than this time last year.

Georgia drivers enjoyed the cheapest January at the pump in three years. Last month, Georgia gas prices averaged $2.10 per gallon. That’s 32 cents per gallon less than January 2018, and 13 cents per gallon less than January 2017.

Gas prices in Michigan are slightly lower than last week. Sunday’s state average of $2.15 per gallon is almost 1-cent less than a week ago, yet remains 52 cents less than this time last year.

Michigan drivers enjoyed the cheapest January at the pump in three years. Gas prices in Michigan averaged $2.11 per gallon in January 2019; which was 54 cents less than the monthly average in January 2018, and 26 cents less than January 2017.

Detroit Gas Prices Rise Nearly 5 Cents

Gas prices in Metro Detroit are 4.5 cents per gallon more than a week ago. Drivers are paying an average price of $2.17/g, which is 12 cents more than a month ago, and 46 cents less than this time last year. The highest price last year was $3.11 per gallon.

Drivers in Metro Detroit enjoyed the cheapest January at the pump in three years. Gas prices in Metro Detroit averaged $2.08/g in January 2019; which was 55 cents per gallon less than the monthly average in January 2018, and 28 cents per gallon less than January 2017.

Gas prices in Tennesseedeclined 2.5 cents last week. Sunday’s state average of $2.03 per gallon is 38 cents less than this time last year.

Tennessee drivers enjoyed the cheapest January at the pump in three years. Last month, Tennessee gas prices averaged $2.01 per gallon. The monthly average was 32 cents less than January 2018, and 11 cents less than January 2017.

So far this year, the lowest daily average price was $1.97 per gallon on January 9. The highest price in 2018 was $2.73/g around Memorial Day weekend.

Gas Price Survey Methodology
AAA updates fuel price averages daily at www.GasPrices.AAA.com. Every day up to 130,000 stations are surveyed based on credit card swipes and direct feeds in cooperation with the Oil Price Information Service (OPIS) and Wright Express for unmatched statistical reliability. All average retail prices in this report are for a gallon of regular, unleaded gasoline.

About The Auto Club Group
The Auto Club Group (ACG) is the second largest AAA club in North America. ACG and its affiliates provide membership, insurance, financial services and travel offerings to over 9.8 million members across eleven states and two U.S. territories including Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, North Dakota, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands; most of Illinois and Minnesota; and a portion of Indiana. ACG belongs to the national AAA federation with more than 59 million members in the United States and Canada and whose mission includes protecting and advancing freedom of mobility and improving traffic safety. Motorists can map a route, identify gas prices, find discounts, book a hotel, and access AAA roadside assistance with the AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile. Visit AAA on the Internet at AAA.com.

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